Roman Sites in Iberia: The Mysterious Tower of Centum Cellas

After a few months traveling around the world, I'm back home in Portugal.
Today we kick off a new series showcasing the most interesting Ancient Roman monuments in Iberia. In this video, we'll explore the site and surrounding area of one of the most intriguing historical monuments in the country: the Tower of Centum Cellas (also known as Tower of Saint Cornelius) in Belmonte.
The purpose of this ancient Roman building, dating back to the 1st century AD, remains a mystery, leading to many local legends and theories. Some believe it was a temple, a prison with a hundred cells (hence the name), a military headquarters, or an inn. Archaeological evidence, particularly from the 1990s excavations, suggests it was part of a large, luxurious Roman villa rustica belonging to a wealthy tin merchant named Lucius Caecilius.
Later on, it is believed it might have been used as a hideout by the Martyr Pope Saint Cornelius, and the remnants of a medieval church can also be seen in front of the Roman Tower.
The tower stands at 12 meters high and has traces of three levels, a rarity for preserved Roman structures in the region. The construction using large granite blocks is also unusual for Europe, showing advanced engineering and a clear message of Roman power and wealth in the area. The site is a National Monument, and ongoing archaeological work continues to uncover its secrets. A new interpretive center has recently opened, offering more context about the different theories and the history of the region's tin trade.


🗺️Maps of my Walks: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/vie...
⚙️ Current Gear: Camera: DJI Osmo Pocket 3, with Wide Angle Lens; Microphone: Zoom H1n or DJI Mic2, with Furry Windshield; Editing Software: DaVinci Resolve 20
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